Overview
Housed in a spectacular 19th-century power station, Higher Ground redefined what a café could be when it opened in 2016. The flagship venue from the team behind Top Paddock and The Kettle Black, it delivers elevated all-day dining in a space that’s as visually impressive as the food is creative.
The interior is vast and dramatic—multi-level with exposed brick walls, arched windows, greenery, and mezzanine seating. Yet despite the scale, the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming, filled with a steady hum of conversation, clinking cutlery, and the hiss of expertly brewed coffee.
The menu is seasonal and imaginative, moving beyond typical brunch fare. Signature dishes might include ricotta hotcakes with maple cream, cured salmon with black rice and miso, or a perfectly plated wagyu beef burger with truffled fries. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are thoughtfully integrated, and everything is plated with care and precision.
Coffee is central to the experience, with beans sourced from Square One Coffee Roasters and prepared by top-tier baristas. A tight selection of wines, juices, and house-made sodas rounds out the offering, making Higher Ground just as suitable for a long lunch or informal meeting as for a morning caffeine fix.
Service is polished but relaxed, reflective of the venue’s seamless blend of café cool and restaurant quality. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, the brunch, or the buzz, Higher Ground is a Melbourne essential—timeless, ambitious, and effortlessly stylish.
Last update July 2025
